How to Get Your GMRS License, obtaining a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) license is one of the simplest FCC authorizations—and it unlocks higher‑power, repeater‑capable UHF communications for you and your family versus FRS. Below is a step‑by‑step guide to getting your GMRS license, an overview of the key service rules, how it covers family members, and tips on using repeaters.

What Is GMRS?

The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a licensed UHF voice (and limited data) service on channels around 462 MHz and 467 MHz. GMRS permits up to 50 W of transmitter power and full‑duplex repeater operation—features not allowed on license‑free FRS radios. In 2017 the FCC expanded GMRS to include additional interstitial channels and short data applications (text messaging, GPS) and increased the license term to 10 years Federal Communications Commission.

Who Is Eligible & Family Privileges

• Individual eligibility: Applicants must be 18 years or older, U.S. citizens (or permanent residents), and not foreign‑government representatives Federal Communications Commission.
• Family coverage: Once issued, a GMRS license covers the licensee and their immediate family—spouse, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces/nephews, and in‑laws. Any covered family member may operate GMRS stations under your call sign, without obtaining a separate license Federal Communications Commission.
• License term: Licenses are valid for 10 years and may be renewed up to the license’s expiration date Federal Communications Commission.
• Statutory basis: Federal rules require an individual license for GMRS and limit eligibility to personal users, ensuring the service remains family‑oriented ecfr.gov.

How to Apply: Step‑by‑Step

1. Obtain an FCC Registration Number (FRN)
   • Go to the FCC’s CORES registration page:
     https://apps.fcc.gov/cores FCC Apps
   • Create an account or log in. You will receive a 10‑digit FRN immediately—no fee is charged at this stage.
2. Access the ULS License Manager
   • Navigate to the FCC ULS License Manager:
     https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp
   • Log in with your FRN and password Federal Communications Commission.
3. Start a New GMRS Application
   • In the left‑hand menu, click “Apply for a New License.”
   • From the Radio Service drop‑down, select “ZA – General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS),” then click Continue Federal Communications Commission.
4. Complete & Certify
   • Fill in your personal information (name, address, email).
   • Certify by typing your name and today’s date—this serves as your electronic signature.
   • Upon submission, the system will prompt you to pay the nominal FCC application fee via credit card or electronic funds transfer.
5. Print Your License
   • Within 24–48 hours, log back into ULS to download and print your official GMRS license. The FCC no longer mails paper copies.

GMRS Service Rules & Operating Guidelines

• Channel Plan (47 CFR § 95.1763):
  • 15 FRS‑shared channels at 462.5625–462.7125 MHz (0.5 W max).
  • 7 exclusive GMRS channels at 462.5500–462.7250 MHz (up to 5 W).
  • 8 repeater input/output pairs at 467.5500–467.7250 MHz (up to 50 W) Federal Communications Commission.
• Identification (47 CFR § 95.1751): You must transmit your assigned call sign at the end of each transmission (or every 15 minutes during extended conversations).
• Antenna Height (47 CFR § 95.1741): Base stations may use antennas up to 60 ft above ground level without additional FCC approvals (structures over 200 ft AGL require separate registration).
• Etiquette: GMRS channels are shared on a “listen‑before‑talk” basis; coordinate with other users to minimize interference.

Repeater Usage & Coordination

GMRS repeaters can extend your range to 20–25 miles in favorable terrain. Note:

• No linking: Repeaters may not be linked via the Internet or telephone networks to carry GMRS communications Federal Communications Commission.
• Input/output pairs: Each repeater uses one channel to receive (input) and another to transmit (output); configure your radio accordingly.
• Finding repeaters: Consult resources like RadioReference.com or local radio clubs’ websites for coordinated repeater lists.
• Courtesy: Always ID with your call sign, comply with any local time‑out or courtesy‑tone requirements, and avoid monopolizing a repeater.

Tips & Final Thoughts

• Plan ahead: Allow 1–2 days for your license to issue before relying on GMRS radios.
• Share the benefit: Equip family members—teens on hiking trips, grandparents in the neighborhood watch—with GMRS units “for free” once you hold the license.
• Stay legal: Renew within 90 days of expiration, monitor your license status in ULS, and never exceed authorized power levels.
• Leverage repeaters: In hilly or wooded areas, repeaters are your best friend—just remember they must remain locally operated.

With no exam, a straightforward online form, and a decade‑long term, GMRS licensing is a low‑hassle way to gain enhanced UHF communications. Follow the steps above, stay within the service rules, and you’ll have crystal‑clear, wide‑area voice coverage for all your family’s activities. Who knows, maybe eventually you may decide to obtain a Ham Radio license? The world is your oyster!